MANDRAKE – Calm The Seas

From listening to the new release from MANDRAKE taking in the album for its entire ominous atmospheric gleam as the weather outside give the theme of the CD a more intense feel. An added bonus for reviewing I must say! The band MANDRAKE has a supplementary melodic kismet feel to it. This is what the Vampire Lestat would have listened to upon writing his story. The combined vocals of Birgit Lau and Vocals/Guitar Lutz de Putter blend well with harmonies of the band that shed some light into the dark gloom of this vampire enthrall. Birgit Lau voice reminds me of Lorena McKennitt, meets Madonna on The Reason If Not Far To Seek. Her voice comes softly into the beginning part as Lutz de Putter growls on with Soaked Through The Skylight leading the soul into a tomb of erotic darkness. Lyrics are tasteful in a manner of sticking to what MANDRAKE is known for. Nothing harsh or strangely exotic can best describe MANDRAKE. Essential Trifles reminds me Madonna’s Frozen with the mystical sound of the song air. Band has vast potential for rhythm section consisting of Garvin Bösch (Bass), Jörg Röttger (Drums) create the timing of such dearly refined cadence. Adding to MANDRAKE poignant gothic timbre is that of Bernd Ammermann (keyboards) lending his imaginative melody into a milieu created so fitting for MANDRAKE. Album sense is vast and flows gently for recording is completed elegantly fit.